As Pakistan denies, Afghan onion comes to wipe tears

If Pakistan failed to wipe Indian tears due to rising onion prices, it was Afghanistan that took a step forward and sent one truck of onions to India through the Attari Border.

As prices of onions touched a very high in India, all eyes were looking for imports from across the border. But despite a request, Pakistan had denied sending the bulb to India.

But on Thursday, some respite came in, as first truck carrying about 24 tonnes of Afghan onions entered the Indian Territory through the Attari Border. It was unloaded in the store of Integrated Check Post (ICP).

Talking to HT, Manav Taneja, clearing house agent, said, "This onion was ordered by a Delhi based company and as per our knowledge it will be sued in Punjab Market. Till today the rate of onion is about Rs. 50-52 per kg and definitely when the onions starts coming from other countries, it will be a relief."

On a question, Taneja said, "There are many more companies who are making efforts to get the vegetable imported from Afghanistan. If all goes well, it is likely that 1000 tonnes of onions would arrive from Afghanistan."

There is a specific permit required for importing this commodity from Afghanistan and many are already in process to get the required permit, he claimed.

Notably, when onion crisis hit India, various importers claimed of requesting Pakistan to export the commodity but terming it as against their new policy, the neigbouring country denied the requests.

Earlier, Pakistan had sent onions to India few years back when similar crisis arose but this time it refused due to its new policy of not sending the commodity through road route.